Floral decorator Paul Hawkins and Apollo Event Consultants share an overriding passion – to transform spaces into something breathtaking, extraordinary and unrecognisable. Having worked with Paul on some spectacular weddings and parties, we can count on him to help turn dream concepts into a reality.

“We love working with Paul for his super-creative energy, years of experience, wonderful instinctive connection with our clients and because he is just such great fun to be around!”

Based in London and West Sussex, Paul’s passion for flowers and horticulture has established him as one of society’s most sought after floral decorators. Paul’s work is regularly featured in the glossies and you may well recognise him from his tv appearances, including his time as the ‘friendly florist’ with Paula Yates on Channel 4’s Big Breakfast back in the 90’s.

In the first of this 2 part interview, Paul shares his floral inspirations, design tips and trends for the year ahead.

How would you describe your style?

I love to WOW people but there is also a relaxed formality to my work, strongly influenced by the natural seasonal harmonies of my garden. Flowers have been a passion of mine from an early age, I have fond memories of growing plants in an old tin bath at my parents beautiful vicarage in West Sussex. I’ll often use dill and rosemary, flowering artichokes or gourds alongside sweet peas, delphiniums, sage and roses.

Why do you enjoy working with Tim and Apollo?

Tim is such a professional, his amazing attention to detail and his wonderful sense of humour means Apollo jobs are always super. He has many years experience in the business and clients trust him implicitly. Apollo gets a lot of repeat business and it’s special to have worked on an 18th or 21st birthday and to then be invited back to be involved with a wedding!

What about colour?

My advice is simple, be brave, clash colours, but don’t over arrange, keep it simple, nothing too fussy or busy. Don’t be afraid to go BIG with giant urns filled high at entrance points for maximum impact.

Any favourite floral trends for 2017?

I try not to follow trends as they come and go and date so quickly. You don’t want to be looking back at you wedding or party pictures 10 years on thinking ‘why on earth did I do that?”.

But ‘Greenery’ is big this year and you’ll always see plenty of herbs, moss and herbaceous flowers and foliage in my work. There’s nothing worse than a flower snob – if you love a particular flower that’s not ‘on-trend’ then go for it, it’s all about how you use them. People frown on carnations but arranged in a big ball en masse they can look stunning. Gypsophila is making a real resurgence and looks wonderful mixed with white hydrangeas.

In {PART 2}, we talk weddings with Paul – really just an excuse to feature more of his breathtaking and inspirational designs!